“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Stacey Rusch was one of the select few reality stars honored with a recent cover story. Now, following the milestone, one of the former “RHOP” cast members, Candiace Dillard Bassett, is complimenting her and throwing a subtle jab at the veterans on the show who were not featured.

Dillard-Bassett took to her “Undomesticated” podcast in May 2026 to react to Rusch’s inclusion in Vulture’s “The Mastermind of Reality TV” issue. Notably, Rusch joined the show in 2024 and quickly became a fan favorite.

Regarding the honor, she said, “I have to give flowers to the people. Shout out to Stacey “QVC” Rusch. She was with the Vulture people.” After that, the new mom said, “I love Stacey. I love that she’s getting her flowers. I love that she’s getting her flowers.”

From there, the beloved reality star revealed that her husband, Chris Bassett, had pointed out that a newer cast member had been included instead of a veteran. According to her, “Where were they? Y’all let the new girl come in and get on the cover before ya’ll get on the cover.”

Dillard-Bassett Says Stacey Isn’t Faking Drama For ‘RHOP’

The commentary about “RHOP” continued with Dillard-Bassett’s cohost, Michael Arceneaux, noting that “Stacey has breathed new life into the show since other favorites have left, and she’s actually why I watch the show.”

The former Bravo star went on, “A lot of people love her. And she’s so easy-going about it. She’s so chill,” before stating that Rusch seems to be “having a good time.”

Later, she acknowledged that Rusch doesn’t seem to be “manufacturing the drama,” subtly hinting that this is a tactic taken up by other ladies on the show. She added, “When you just let it go and let it flow, you get the covers.

‘RHOP’ Fans Are Reacting

Following Dillard-Bassett’s comments about Rusch and “RHOP,” fans of the show weighed in. While some were positive, others accused the former cast member of being jealous. One person said, “Candiace and Stacey would get along so well. Aries and Sagittarius together is the perfect storm.”

A different fan claimed on X, “This girl swears she never watches anything #RHOP related, but she sure is leaving her commentary every week! Also, yeah, they’re on the 11th season… something you ain’t part of no more, honey boo boo.”

Someone else stated, “This woman was on the show for many seasons and never got a feature, either she needs to shut up.” A different social media user wrote, “And comments like these are the reason why everyone hates her.”

Lastly, another fan remarked, “Nothing for Ashley or Gizelle. Stacey deserves honesty.”

Candiace Left ‘RHOP’ In 2024

Dillard-Bassett joined “The Real Housewives of Potomac” in 2018 for its third season. She quickly became a fan favorite before departing in March 2024 ahead of the show’s 9th season.

She told PEOPLE, “As I embark on a new chapter after six remarkable years with The Real Housewives of Potomac, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth, and moments of introspection that have defined this journey.”

The reality star added, “With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from ‘RHOP.’ This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.’”

Roughly a month later, the “Driveback” singer announced that she and her husband were expecting their first child. She later admitted to Entertainment Tonight that her pregnancy was “95%” of the reason she left the show.

Dillard-Bassett stated, “I was really adamant about creating a space for not just the baby, but for me — for us — for this time in our lives. I wanted the space around us and around our child to feel peaceful and to feel free and to feel positive.”

She Recently Opened Up About Her New Music

Dillard-Bassett pursued her singing career while on “RHOP.” This led to her debut album, “Deep Space,” released in 2021, featuring the much-buzzed-about “Driveback.” Now, years later, she has a new single, “If Only,” which was released in February 2026.

Currently, she’s hard at work on her second studio album and preparing to join Tamar Braxton for a summer tour on select dates.

If there is one song that Queen is known for, it’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Released in 1975, what was once a heavily criticized track eventually became beloved by many, despite its six-minute runtime. Since then, the song has found new life thanks to its choke hold on pop culture, receiving covers from Glee and The Wiggles. Additionally, the song charted in multiple countries, entering the Top 10 in Australia, Europe, and the US Billboard Hot 100. It was also certified Platinum in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and the U.K.

One reason people like “Bohemian Rhapsody” is its musical artistry. What starts as a piano ballad evolves into an energetic rock track before reverting into an emotional ballad. Another reason is the lyrics. There are so many notable lines sung by Freddie Mercury, and the way they’re performed, especially live, is breathtaking. But there is one line in “Bohemian Rhapsody” that people still find unforgettable.

The Most Memorable Line in “Bohemian Rhapsody” Is…

Out of the 372 words in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” there are a handful of lines that are memorable and iconic. But apparently, the lyric that people still find unforgettable is “I see a little silhouetto of a man…” sung at around the 3:06 mark. One reason this line remains unforgettable to listeners is that it marks the start of the song’s genre shift. The first three minutes are an emotional piano ballad, but by the time that lyric kicks in, “Bohemian Rhapsody” transforms into a vocal opera filled with call-and-response lyrics performed like a choir.

Who’s Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?

Another reason: “I see a little silhouetto of a man…” is considered “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” most memorable line is because it tells listeners the song isn’t over yet. Typically, a pop or rock song lasts around three minutes, and many of Queen’s greatest hits range from three to four minutes. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the few songs that not only goes beyond the average duration, but also feels like you’re listening to a completely different track halfway through. “Somebody to Love” is a five-minute song, but it maintains a sense of musical and lyrical consistency throughout. “Bohemian Rhapsody” feels like three music genres combined into one track, and “I see a little silhouetto of a man…” marks the start of that transition.

The Decision to Add the Opera Section

In the 2018 musical biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, a scene shows Queen recording “Bohemian Rhapsody,” revealing they were behind schedule and that the repeated “Galileos” were wearing the tape thin. In a 2005 New York Times article, music producer Roy Thomas Baker recalled recording the song with Queen using the “24-track technology” available at the time. He noted the amount of work that went into producing the track and how it immortalized Queen’s “theatrical and bombastic sound in the 70s.” In a separate interview with Sound on Sound, Baker claimed that “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the first time opera had been “incorporated into a pop record,” and that the section alone took at least three weeks to record.

Perhaps that’s another reason “I see a little silhouetto of a man…” is such a memorable line in the song. Not only does it signify a genre shift, but it also marks the beginning of a section that required a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to create. Given the risk and uniqueness of this part of the song, and the time it took to make it work, the opening line needed to leave a strong impression to keep people listening. That line, combined with the instrumental build-up leading into the next section, was enough to keep audiences engaged regardless of the song’s duration. If I could quote a line from the Bohemian Rhapsody film, “I pity your wife if you think six minutes is forever.”

What “Bohemian Rhapsody” Sounds Like Live

When watching live performances of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the moment the opera section begins, the audience becomes immediately more engaged. During Queen’s performance at Wembley Stadium in 1986, people started clapping along to the piano before the first line even began. Even outside of Queen concerts, audiences stayed engaged whenever the song played in the background. One notable example occurred during Green Day‘s 2017 Hyde Park performance, when “Bohemian Rhapsody” played over the speakers and the audience sang along. Just like at Queen’s concerts, Green Day fans started clapping to the piano once the opera section began. Even when Panic! At the Disco performed the song, the crowd went wild the moment the opera section started.

So not only is “I see a little silhouetto of a man…” memorable because of its role in the song and its placement, but it also builds anticipation for what’s coming next. It’s not just the vocal choir that listeners have to look forward to, but also the rock section that follows the genre shift.

“I see a little silhouetto of a man…” Is More Than Just a Lyric

If you ask someone what lyric first comes to mind when they hear the name “Bohemian Rhapsody,” most people would probably respond with “Galileos” or “Nothing really matters to me.” But deep down, “I see a little silhouetto of a man…” is the line that gets people excited when listening to the song. While it may not be everyone’s first answer when asked to name a lyric from “Bohemian Rhapsody,” it reminds listeners that the song is about to become something bigger. It marks the start of a section worth anticipating and introduces a part of the track where a lot of effort went into making it unforgettable.

“X-Men” star James McAvoy has weighed in on controversial influencer Andrew Tate, suggesting it “must be really hard” being him.

The actor made the remarks during a recent podcast appearance where he discussed how people often react when their favorite public figures are criticized. McAvoy’s comments also revived attention around his past comparison between Tate and his “Speak No Evil” character.

Tate’s polarizing reputation came up during McAvoy’s recent appearance on “The Romesh Ranganathan Show.”

The conversation shifted to Tate after the host noted that people often react strongly when the public figures they love most are criticized. He argued that Tate continues to receive support despite his controversial behavior and recent sex trafficking allegations.

In response, McAvoy focused less on Tate’s views and more on how the influencer presents himself, particularly the intense, aggressive tone he often uses when expressing his opinions.

“There’s something regardless of the things that he asserts and his opinions and all that kind of stuff,” McAvoy said. “The seriousness and the anger with which he delivers everything. I’m just like, ‘Oh man, it must be really hard being you.’”

McAvoy Couldn’t Stop Laughing At Andrew Tate Lifestyle Dig

Ranganathan went ahead to point out that, despite the lavish lifestyle Tate frequently showcases on social media, he still does not come across as someone enjoyable to be around.

“It is a sort of combination of like he talks about smoking cigars and like being by the pool and all these women and having a sports car. And despite all of that, he doesn’t look like any fun to hang out with at all,” the comedian said.

Advertisement

The remark drew laughs from McAvoy, who replied, “I know,” while appearing to agree with the comparison and the exhausting image Tate projects publicly.

Ranganathan then joked that spending time with Tate would probably be “the most intense, horrible evening you could ever have.”

Fans Back James McAvoy’s Andrew Tate Remarks

Online, many social media users appeared to agree with McAvoy after a clip from the interview discussing Tate went viral.

“Two things can be true at once. His message can be moronic, and his delivery can be embarrassing,” one individual wrote on X.

“I agree with this. He always sounds miserable and complains about everything,” another user commented.

Advertisement

“Spot on, though. Setting aside the horsesh-t views he’s constantly yelling about, he seems way too intense and un-fun,” a third person remarked.

“He’s either miserable and whining, or angry and yelling. There doesn’t seem to be much in between,” another follower added.

The Actor Once Compared Tate To A Character He Played

McAvoy’s recent remarks about Tate come nearly two years after the actor compared the influencer to a character he portrayed in the psychological horror film “Speak No Evil.”

While discussing his role as Paddy in the movie, McAvoy explained that he partly drew inspiration from what he described as a more polished version of Tate’s brand of masculinity.

Advertisement

“The thing I thought I could exploit in the character was [that] he thinks he’s a bit of a… West Country Andrew Tate,” McAvoy said, per Deadline.

The actor went on to explain that Paddy hides toxic masculinity beneath an outwardly polite and charismatic persona, using it to manipulate and intimidate others.

“He’s like, ‘I’m going to teach you what it’s like to be a man again,’” McAvoy explained. “But there’s a sort of polite face on it that isn’t quite Andrew Tate, enough of a sheen of, ‘I’m not one of those guys.’”

Weeks after his remarks about “Speak No Evil” sparked headlines, McAvoy addressed the controversy during an interview with Complex.

The actor said his earlier comments had been “taken out of context” and made it clear that he had no interest in continuing the conversation further.

Advertisement

McAvoy did, however, acknowledge that his character in the film displayed several traits tied to toxic masculinity. Despite that, the “Wanted” star insisted the role was not directly inspired by Andrew Tate, whose name he reportedly avoided mentioning on camera.

Harlan Coben has become one of the biggest names in the world when it comes to the classic crime thriller. Coben has penned several novels that have been turned into limited series on some of the biggest streaming services in the world, like Netflix, Paramount Plus, and even Prime Video. It hasn’t exactly been a busy year for Coben in 2026 so far, though, whose only scripted project was Run Away. All episodes of the thriller series debuted on Netflix on New Year’s Day, and although it was going up against the Stranger Things series finale, it still held its own on streaming charts. Coben also recently teamed with Peaky Blinders star Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy for Lazarus, the hit series streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

This morning, Netflix debuted the first teaser trailer from Coben’s next project, I Will Find You, which will be released globally on June 18. The show is based on Coben’s book of the same name that was published back in 2023, and it was adapted to TV by writer and executive producer Robert Hull. Bryan Wyndbrandt, Steven Lilien, and Heather Mitchell are also writing episodes of I Will Find You, with Brad Anderson, Maja Vrvilo, Adam Davidson, and Maggie Kelly directing. Additional producers include Bryan Wynbrandt, Steven Lilien, John Weber, Brad Anderson, John G. Lenic, and Heather Mitchell. I Will Find You consists of eight 45-minute episodes, so the show will be the perfect mystery series for fans to jump in and binge over one weekend, or maybe even one night.

What Is ‘I Will Find You’ About?

Netflix has released the official logline for Harlan Coben’s I Will Find You, which reads as follows:

“An innocent father serving life for the murder of his own son receives evidence that he may still be alive — and must break out of prison to find out the truth.”

Starring in recurring roles in Harlan Coben’s I Will Find You are Sam Worthington (Avatar: Fire and Ash), Britt Lower (Severance), Milo Ventimiglia (Countdown), Logan Browning (Dear White People), Erin Richards (The Crown), Chi McBride (I, Robot), and Jonathan Tucker (The Ruins). Guest stars include Hugh Thompson (Sea of Love), Peter Outerbridge (Lucky Number Slevin), Christopher Redman (The Old Man), Eric Johnson (Fifty Shades Darker), Greg Bryk (Saw V), Kate Vernon (Malcolm X), Tara Rosling (Star Trek: Discovery), Darrin Baker (The Man From Toronto), Aaron Ashmore (Veronica Mars), Nicola Correia-Damude (Shadowhunters), Rachel Wilson (In The Tall Grass), Billy MacLellan (Nobody), Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption), and Madeleine Stowe (12 Monkeys).

Check out the first teaser for I Will Find You above and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of all future Harlan Coben-related projects.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

January 7, 2026

Network

Paramount

Advertisement

Showrunner

Jeff Zimbalist

Advertisement

Cast

Advertisement

• 

Advertisement

Advertisement

The White Lotus experienced some significant recasting over the years — but which actors were replaced and why?

The HBO series, which debuted in 2021, focuses on the guests and employees at a fictional resort as they experience a slew of personal ups and downs while on vacation. The anthology series is also known for a mysterious death — or two — that is teased during the first episode and eventually revealed at the end of each season.

After exploring Hawaii and Sicily, season 3 was set in Thailand with the show’s usual star-studded cast. This time around the show brought in Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong and Aimee Lou Wood.

However, some fans might be surprised to know that certain key roles were ultimately given to other actors. Once production started in February 2024, characters including Chloe and Frank went through some changes — starting with the person playing them.

Related: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Star-Studded Cast: Where You Know Them From

The White Lotus continues to defy expectations by stacking each season with a star-studded cast. The HBO series, which debuted in 2021, focuses on the guests and employees at a fictional resort as they experience a slew of personal ups and downs while on vacation. The anthology series is also known for a mysterious death […]

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of every character who was recast — and why:

Aleksei

Miloš Biković was announced with the first wave of castings in January 2024. HBO dropped him one month later after Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called out the network for casting Biković despite his support of Russia amid the country’s war against Ukraine.

Days later, Julian Kostov was announced as Biković’s replacement. Biković subsequently slammed the decision in a statement.

“Today, a targeted campaign has been unleashed against me, seemingly as an external maneuver to influence decisions that can create a disturbing precedent shadowing the essence of artistic freedom,” he said at the time. “The result of such a narrative is the triumph of absurdity and the defeat of art.”

Chloe

Francesca Corney was originally cast as Chloe a.k.a the woman who fortunately — or unfortunately — ended up in the middle of that awkward Ratliff incest threesome. One month after production started, however, Charlotte Le Bon was brought in to replace Corney. Deadline reported at the time that the decision was made because creator Mike White and his team had wanted someone older to play the part.

Corney addressed the news in March 2024, writing via Instagram that while it was “heartbreaking” to step away, she was “so incredibly grateful for the short time I got to spend with everyone.”

“I have so, so much love for this cast and crew,” she added. “Season 3 is gonna be goood. I’ll be watching and supporting the whole way.”

Frank

Would Frank’s sex-focused monologue hit as hard if not for Sam Rockwell? Luckily, we don’t have to find out but Rockwell’s wife, Leslie Bibb, previously hinted that it wasn’t always the plan for him to be brought in for Frank.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“They came to him very last minute to do the show because we had gone long and casting had shifted,” Bibb shared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, adding that Rockwell was shooting in South Africa before joining The White Lotus. “He was not sure about doing it just because he didn’t have proper prep time. So we went on safari in South Africa, and I was like, ‘I’ll get you off book. I’ll get you off book.’”

Unnamed Season 4 Role

Helena Bonham Carter’s early exit from The White Lotus made headlines one week into filming for season 4. News broke in April 2026 that Bonham Carter’s character would be scrapped, with Laura Dern joining the hit HBO series in a new role developed specifically for her.

“HBO, the producers and Mike White are saddened that they won’t get to work with [Helena Bonham Carter], but remain ardent fans and very much hope to work with the legendary actress on another project soon,” a statement from HBO read. “It had become apparent that the character which Mike White created for Helena Bonham Carter did not align.”

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were all loved up at the latest New York Knicks game.

The couple sat courtside during game two of the second round of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs on Wednesday, May 6, sporting matching orange jackets in honor of Chalamet’s favorite basketball team.

Chalamet, 30, and Jenner, 28, even packed on the PDA, sharing a kiss for the cameras as the Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108 to 102 at Madison Square Garden, per footage posted on social media.

Both stars kept things casual in blue jeans, while Kylie wore a white tank top and orange heels. The Kylie Cosmetics founder had her hair pulled back in a high ponytail for the game.

Related: Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner Make Red Carpet Debut

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner look loved up in their official red carpet debut. Chalamet, 29, and Jenner, 27, stepped out in Rome, Italy, at the 70th David Di Donatello at Cinecitta Studios on Wednesday, May 7. The couple coordinated outfits, with Chalamet donning a black suit and Jenner rocking a black gown with a […]

Chalamet and Jenner have been spotted at various Knicks games over the past three years since they were first romantically linked in April 2023. Their last game was on April 28 when the Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks.

Wednesday was Chalamet’s second Knicks game of the week, as he also attended game one of the playoffs between the Knicks and the 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Monday, May 4. (Chalamet proved to be a lucky charm as his team won 137 to 98.)

Jenner, meanwhile, joined her sisters Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner and their mom Kris Jenner across New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 2026 Met Gala.

The Kardashians star stunned on the red carpet in a custom Schiaparelli dress that made her look like a statue, in keeping with this year’s “Fashion is Art” theme. The dress featured a nude top that effortlessly flowed into a white skirt, giving the illusion the outfit was coming off of Jenner’s body.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Schiaparelli described the ensemble in an Instagram post as “requiring 11,000 hours of embroidery work” and featuring a “rigid bustier in brown corset toile embellished with a sfumato effect and a voluminous skirt in butter duchess satin embroidered with over 2,000 satin stitch balls, 10,000 natural baroque pearls and more [than] 7,000 painted pearlescent fish scales and mules with an asymmetrical wavy décolleté in matching satin.”

Jenner proved to be one of the night’s best-dressed stars. Older sister Khloé Kardashian commented on Schiaparelli’s Instagram post, “I can not handle this perfection,” while former Fashion Police star Melissa Rivers exclusively told Us Weekly that Jenner stood out among the Kardashian-Jenner clan in attendance.

“So I think [the] best of them was Kylie in the Schiaparelli,” Rivers told Us. “Because that is exactly what it was supposed to be about the art of dressing and the art of fashion and the body. It was spectacular.”

David Letterman is speaking out against CBS as Stephen Colbert‘s “The Late Show” tenure approaches its end.

The legendary broadcaster expressed his disbelief and anger regarding the network’s decision to end the program he helped build, which Colbert currently hosts. 

Letterman has directed sharp criticism at the executives involved, accusing them of being dishonest about the true motivations behind the show’s departure from the airwaves.

When Letterman first learned that “The Late Show” was being shut down, his initial reaction was shock, comparing the situation to a poorly handled robbery.

In an exclusive interview with The New York Times, Letterman, while dishing on the fiasco, admitted that while enough time has passed for him to no longer feel a personal sense of ownership over the variety talk show, he remains fiercely protective of the show’s legacy and its current staff. 

Notably, his primary concern was for Colbert and the viewers who relied on the program as a nightly escape, questioning the lack of “humanity” shown by the corporate leadership during this transition.

Letterman openly challenged the network’s official stance that the cancellation was strictly a financial necessity driven by the rise of streaming and digital media. He insisted that their claims about the budget were a cover for the reality of the business deal. 

“I’m just going to go on record as saying: They’re lying. Let me just add one other thing, Jason. They’re lying weasels,” he said.

Despite CBS’s firm denial of these accusations, the former host remains convinced that the network was not being truthful about why they dumped the late-night staple.

How David Letterman Reacted to New Time Slot Replacing Stephen Colbert

Letterman’s frustration with the network’s honesty extends to their new business strategy, which involves shifting away from traditional broadcasting to a leasing model. 

Instead of producing original content, CBS plans to lease the late-night time slot to Byron Allen for his show, “Comics Unleashed,” allowing him to manage his own advertising. The former host compared this change to the rise of storage facilities on highways. 

Despite his anger toward the network, he expressed a surprising amount of respect for the man taking over the 11:30 p.m. slot. Having known Allen since the 1970s, Letterman admitted he never saw Allen’s future as a billionaire coming. 

“God bless him [Allen]. To hell with CBS. To hell with Skydance. To hell with the Winslow twins or whoever the hell these guys are,” Letterman said.

“But Byron, he’ll still be providing comedy in that time period. I think that’s a valuable bit of resolution here,” he added. 

David Letterman Previously Weighed In On The New Late-Night Strategy

This is not the first time Letterman has opened up about his feelings towards the transition. The Blast previously reported that during an April episode of “The Barbara Gaines Show,” Letterman criticized the executives for choosing a path that prioritizes profit over high-quality original programming. 

He explained that by charging Allen a fee for the time slot, the network is avoiding the massive costs of producing a major talk show while still collecting a guaranteed income. 

The former host remarked that while the network’s move is clearly a cost-saving measure, the show taking over the slot is actually a solid concept. 

Stephen Colbert Is Reluctant to Leave Late Night

While Letterman’s critiques focus on the corporate maneuvers behind the scenes, the man currently in the host’s chair is grappling with the emotional reality of his departure.

Colbert, who has led the franchise since 2015, is now navigating the final weeks of his tenure after CBS announced that the show would conclude after this season. 

Oprah Winfrey recently took over the interviewer’s seat to ask Colbert how he was handling the upcoming transition and what he felt ready to leave behind. The host admitted that he is not yet ready to let go of the professional world he has inhabited for the last decade. 

He described his attachment to his staff and crew as a “white-knuckle grip,” specifically naming his band and the technical teams behind the scenes as people he is struggling to part with, per The Blast.

Stephen Colbert Is Set To Write The New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Film

Colbert’s reluctance to leave his current community is tempered by the news of an ambitious next chapter in his career. 

According to The Blast, the 62-year-old host is moving from the late-night desk to the world of blockbuster filmmaking, where he will co-write “Shadow of the Past,” a new film in the “Lord of the Rings” universe.

This project is a family affair, as Colbert is developing the script alongside his son, Peter McGee.

Veteran screenwriter Philippa Boyens. Warner Bros. confirmed the collaboration with a social media announcement featuring Colbert discussing the movie’s vision with director Peter Jackson.

New reports reveal that some companies linked to Blake Lively’s booze brand were “spooked” about collaborating with her amid her legal feud with Justin Baldoni.

The two had been locked in a long-running dispute that began with the actress accusing her “It Ends With Us” co-star of sexual harassment.

The case was settled earlier this week, ahead of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s now-canceled trial that had been scheduled for May 18.

Blake Lively’s legal feud with Justin Baldoni is now over, but some insider details about how the back-and-forth may have affected the actress’s brand have emerged.

As reported by TMZ, an internal email between Lively’s Betty Booze staff members and a representative from Kroger appears to show that brands were uneasy about collaborating with her amid the legal feud.

“I just got off the phone with the SGWS Kroger VP, and the first thing he mentioned to me was that Betty Booze was just discussed … there is a negative taste in Kroger’s mouth based on the [Blake Lively] interview from the movie, and they said they will be closely monitoring sales on the brand,” read the email which dates back to September 10, 2024, per US Weekly.

Elsewhere in the emails, it was noted that the company’s concerns about the situation were so significant that the representative anticipated “a negative sales impact” and asked whether Blake Lively had any plans to turn things around.

More Companies Were ‘Spooked’ By Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni’s Feud

The same concerns from Kroger were shared by Princess Cruises, another brand that stocks the Betty Booze line. The company signed a deal with Blake Lively in 2024, with the products rolled out fleetwide that same year.

An email from the VP of Food & Beverage conveyed these concerns, noting how much Blake Lively’s feud with Justin Baldoni had worried the company’s legal team about potential implications.

“By the way, our legal ethics and compliance committee board [is] spooked with Blake !!! I am working things out, hopefully will not have any [e]ffect,” read the alleged email.

It is unclear how Lively might have helped salvage the situation, but for now, the company remains in a collaboration with her brand.

Also, for now, there are no details about whether it negatively impacted sales for the company.

Blake Lively Intended To Use The Emails In Her Trial Against Justin Baldoni

The inclusion of the emails in the court documents was reportedly intended to give Lively an upper hand had she gone to trial against Baldoni.

One claim raised was that it would have shown the jury that Lively’s Betty Booze brand was “forced to go dark” after she was negatively portrayed in headlines, which was also followed by a downturn in sales.

Other documents were also included to support the claims, with one narrative suggesting that Lively had previously received “overwhelmingly positive” social media engagement for Betty Booze, before it later shifted to “negative comments” across those platforms.

It was also intended to show that the brand’s Instagram growth was hindered by negative PR affecting its founder.

The Former Co-Stars Settled Their Long-Running Legal Dispute Ahead Of Trial

Whether or not the strategy would have worked in Lively’s favor remains unknown, due to her decision to settle her suit with Baldoni on May 4.

The sudden turnaround came as a surprise, as the two had previously not reached an agreement to settle weeks earlier.

However, presiding judge Lewis J. Liman urged both parties to revisit settlement discussions, which ultimately led to a resolution in the long-running dispute.

Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Addressed The Settlement In A Statement

Following the settlement, the pair released a statement suggesting that their joint creative work played a role in reaching the agreement, along with other contributing factors.

“The end product – the movie It Ends With Us – is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life,” read the statement.

It continued, “Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors – and all survivors – is a goal that we stand behind. We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard.”